December 2013 - Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

I really enjoy bleaching my teeth and love the sparkling white smile that it gives me. My gums have recently started receding though. I was wondering if it has something to do with how much I whiten my teeth. Can you whiten too much?

Cindy R. – Austin, TX

Cindy,

Yes, it is very possible to over bleach your teeth. The carbamide peroxide that is in teeth whitening solutions can irritate your gums. They can also cause them to recede. In more severe instances, it can make your teeth brittle and chalky and may make your teeth look gray.

You need to give your teeth a break from teeth whitening. In the meantime, use a remineralizing toothpaste (such as ProEnamel) to help strengthen your teeth.

As soon as you can, go in and have your dentist look things over. You want to make sure everything is healthy.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Jerome Cha.

I want to get porcelain veneers. My dentist says though he knows how to do them, he thinks I would be better served with a different dentist. He said that this dentist is an expert when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. The difference in the prices is astounding. Is it really necessary to go to an expert? Aren’t they just cementing on the veneers after I pick them out?

Alyssa R.- Jacksonville, FL

Alyssa,

You have a fantastic dentist! He could have easily made money by giving you sub-par veneers. Instead, he told you about a dentist that could give you a beautiful smile. I want to address a couple of things that will help you understand why your dentist is recommending someone else.

You don’t just pick out porcelain veneers. You and your dentist determine what type of smile makeover you desire, but then that has to be designed from scratch. It takes a lot of technical skill as well as artistry in order to create them.

Your dentist realizes that he doesn’t have that skill. Let’s say he can give you a new smile for $3000 less than the other dentist. If that smile ends up looking completely fake, how will you feel about saving the money then? Instead, he is making sure you get the best dentist possible to give you a smile you will be proud of. It may cost you more money, but when you’re talking about teeth that will last your lifetime AND you are spending a large sum of money on them, you want to make sure that they are teeth you will be very proud of.

Your dentist is honest. If he thinks this dentist does a great job, than I would spend the extra money. The ideal situation would be if he is AACD accredited, but if not, it is still possible he does beautiful work. Look on the mynewsmile.com website and see if he is one of their recommended cosmetic dentists. If so, you’re in good hands.

By the way, I would only go to the new cosmetic dentist for the veneers. For all your other treatments stay with your current dentist. He’s a keeper.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Jerome Cha.

Can you over-bleach your teeth?

Choosing between two dentists

Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

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